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Post by oldhoyt on Mar 1, 2016 9:41:55 GMT -5
I'd like to make my own pot call for this spring. I have questions about the parts of a typical pot call. I saw somewhere on the internet a reference to a soundboard, which appeared to be a separate piece than the call surface and the pot itself. Do typical pot calls have such a sound board, or, can a call be made without a soundboard?
I think my first attempt will be made with a purchased kit or components. Thanks for any wisdom you'd like to impart.
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Post by GS1 on Mar 1, 2016 14:50:09 GMT -5
Most calls have a soundboard. Some very good sounding calls do not, but that is not the norm. Probably because of the sheer number of people who use and the attention given to soundboards.
There are some very good kits. Customsawing.com has some and I believe grassycreekcalls.com does also.
A good rule of thumb is put your soundboard 2x the thickness of the material away from the calling surface. 3/32" glass soundboard would be around 6/32" below the calling surface. The pedestal that the soundboard sits on can be numerous things, but should attach to the bottom of the pot with a solid adhesive (like duco cement if using washers or nails) or wood glue if you use wood to raise the soundboard off the bottom of the pot. 1/4" is a good starting point for the pedestal height.
Plumbers Goop is by far the most used adhesive for attaching the soundboard and calling surfaces to the wood. A slate calling surface and glass soundboard is a pretty forgiving call to make.
Strikers can be purchased pre-made and finished or in parts that need glued together and sanded. Hickory is a pretty common dowel and walnut or maple work well for the tops. The heavier the top wood the lower the pitch of your call.
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Post by oldhoyt on Mar 1, 2016 15:17:50 GMT -5
Thank you very much for the info and tips.
I've used pot calls sucessfully, just never made one. I have made box calls.
What are your thoughts on copper as a call surface, as far as ease of use, best soundboard to use with it, etc. Any special techniques for prepping metallic surfaces for use? Thanks again!
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Post by GS1 on Mar 1, 2016 16:33:27 GMT -5
Thank you very much for the info and tips. I've used pot calls sucessfully, just never made one. I have made box calls. What are your thoughts on copper as a call surface, as far as ease of use, best soundboard to use with it, etc. Any special techniques for prepping metallic surfaces for use? Thanks again! Copper works best in 3" and a harder wood pot. A 2 1/2" glass soundboard works well. To condition a good copper call all you need is green scotch Brite. 320 grit sandpaper is good for aluminum. I don't think copper is the most user friendly surface, but everyone else says it is. It takes very little pressure from the striker. I do think copper is one of the harder surfaces make a pot call with. A friend gave me all of the measurements to get close to his pot, which is very popular and I still had trouble figuring it out. |
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Post by oldhoyt on Mar 2, 2016 11:47:48 GMT -5
I ordered enough parts for 2 calls from Customsawing.com. Both surfaces are copper - 3" diameter based on GS1's advice. Trying hard maple and sassafrass for the pots. One call will have a soundboard (glass) and the other will not.
Here's another question. What is the best adhesive to use to join the call surface (copper) with the pot? I have seen reference to using silicone of some kind, but I would have thought silicone would inhibit vibration/sound.
Apparenlty there's a lot to learn on this subject, but that's part of the fun I guess. I've called birds with my own box calls and hope to get one this year with my own pot call.
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Post by GS1 on Mar 2, 2016 17:52:02 GMT -5
Plumbers Goop works good. The type of adhesive will make a big difference in the sound of the call. Some silicones are more flexible than others. Goop is pretty stout.
I have a friend who uses epoxy. I used epoxy on a few soundboards. Dropped one of the calls and the soundboard popped off the pedestal. They sounded very good though.
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Post by oldhoyt on Mar 4, 2016 7:51:14 GMT -5
I'm not sure that the pots I ordered will come with integral soundboard pedestals. Even if they do, some adjustment may be required to located the soundboard as GS1 suggested:
"A good rule of thumb is put your soundboard 2x the thickness of the material away from the calling surface. 3/32" glass soundboard would be around 6/32" below the calling surface."
My copper calling surface is 0.060 or about 1/16". My glass soundboard is 0.120 or about 1/8". 2x the thickness of the soundboard is 0.240" or about 1/4". Should the space between the UNDERSIDE of the calling surface and the top of the soundboard measure about 0.240, or should the space between the TOP of the calling surface and the top of the soundboard measure about 0.240 (leaving a space of about 0.180 between the copper and the glass? Thanks!
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Post by GS1 on Mar 4, 2016 9:31:43 GMT -5
Underside of the calling surface and top side of soundboard. It's a starting point.
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Post by oldhoyt on Mar 4, 2016 9:44:14 GMT -5
Got it, thanks!
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Post by oldhoyt on Mar 14, 2016 14:47:37 GMT -5
Well, my 2 copper surfaced pot calls are done and I'm happy with the way they sound. Of course, finishing and assembly was pretty simple with the parts pre-made for the most part. We'll see what the turkey think starting May 2 in Michigan.
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